3rd armored Calvary division

• Historic Beginnings: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment (not Division) was first constituted in 1846 as the Regiment of Mounted Riflemen, making it one of the oldest continuously serving cavalry units in the U.S. Army. • Mexican-American War: The unit saw its first combat during the Mexican-American War, earning distinction at the Battle of Cerro Gordo in 1847. • Nickname “Brave Rifles”: The regiment earned its famous nickname “Brave Rifles” from General Winfield Scott, who addressed them after the Mexican-American War as “Brave Rifles! Veterans! You have been baptized in fire and blood and have come out steel!” • Civil War Service: The regiment served in the western theater during the Civil War, primarily in New Mexico and the Southwest, fighting both Confederate and Native American forces. • World War II Actions: Reorganized as the 3rd Cavalry Group (Mechanized), the unit landed at Normandy after D-Day and fought across France and Germany, including the capture of the city of Trier. • Cold War Duty: The regiment spent decades in Germany during the Cold War, serving as a frontline reconnaissance and security force along the Iron Curtain. • Desert Storm: The 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment played a significant reconnaissance and screening role during Operation Desert Storm in 1991, covering the advance of the VII Corps. • Post-9/11 Deployments: The regiment has served multiple deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan, including the Battle of Tal Afar in 2005, which was a model for subsequent counterinsurgency operations. • Regimental Motto: The unit’s motto is “Blood and Steel,” reflecting its long-standing tradition of courage and resilience in battle. • Modernization and Honors: Today, the 3rd Cavalry Regiment is based at Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood), Texas, and continues to evolve with modern equipment and tactics, maintaining its place as an elite cavalry force in the U.S. Army.